Supporting study - Robert Mertin - Strain Theory

• Robert Mertin - Strain Theory


  ‘Crime and deviance occurs when the goals of material success in a society cannot be legitimately achieved.’ - Therefore, a strain occurs between goals in society and people’s ability to achieve them.

  Merton offers an explanation, unlike Durkheim, as to why people commit crimes.
• Why could strain occur in wider society?

  1. Working class are more likely to be denied material benefits through their lack of qualifications.
  2. As their opportunities are ‘blocked’, they are more likely to feel strain and anomie.
• Typology ideas

  1. Conformist = Accept societal goals & situation.
  2. Innovators = Accept the goals but not the means of achieving them.
  3. Ritualistic = Accept the situation (routine) but reject the goals.
  4. Retreatists = Reject both goals & the situation (drop out of society).
  5. Rebels = Reject both, but seek alternative goals in wider society.